[Research Contribution] The Journey of a Multidisciplinary & Sustainable University: From ESG Integration to SDGs Impact

27 Tháng Ba, 2026

Keywords: ESG, SDGs, sustainable growth, higher education, multidisciplinary

On the afternoon of March 23, 2026, in Hanoi, within the framework of the panel discussion “Connecting Businesses and Universities Toward Sustainable Growth” organized by the State Securities Commission of Vietnam in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung – Interim President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) – presented a paper on the journey of developing a multidisciplinary and sustainable university, emphasizing an approach that moves from integrating ESG into education to creating impact through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Thumb Lớn Thương Hiệu Học Thuật Mới 20260327 093658 0000

From global pressure to the need to reposition universities in the era of sustainable development

Sustainable development has become a global framework for action, reshaping the operation of economies, businesses, and education systems. From the 1987 Brundtland Report to the United Nations 2030 Agenda with its 17 SDGs, the world has established a common framework in which economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental and social responsibility. Climate commitments, such as COP26, continue to reinforce the pressure to transition to green, low-emission development models.

In Vietnam, this process has been institutionalized through several important policies, such as Resolution No. 136/NQ-CP on SDG implementation, the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection, and the Green Growth Strategy for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050. These orientations create an urgent demand for human resources with ESG capabilities, while also encouraging higher education institutions to transform from traditional training models to models that generate value and social impact.

From ESG integration to SDG impact creation: A systematic approach of a multidisciplinary university

In his presentation, the UEH representative emphasized a systematic approach: clearly distinguishing between ESG and the SDGs while integrating both frameworks into the structure of education and research.

At the micro level, ESG is viewed as an implementation tool that helps businesses enhance governance capacity, increase operational transparency, and strengthen competitiveness. Therefore, the management and business programs at UEH are designed to equip learners to implement ESG in business practice.

At the macro level, the SDGs serve as an impact-oriented framework for addressing social and economic development challenges. Fields such as economics, policy, technology, and design are approached through the SDG framework to train human resources capable of creating solutions and policies.

The core of UEH’s approach is not to separate these two frameworks, but to place them in a mutually reinforcing relationship. In that relationship, businesses that practice ESG well provide practical resources and solutions; governments implementing SDGs create the institutional corridor; and universities play a central connecting role, transforming knowledge into social impact. This approach enables UEH to become a point of intersection between the private and public sectors in the sustainable development process.

The development roadmap of UEH’s Sustainable University strategy

UEH’s development strategy is implemented in two phases with a clear shift from awareness to action.

The 2021–2025 phase focuses on building the foundation of a multidisciplinary university and raising awareness of sustainable development. During this phase, UEH adjusted its curricula toward a “glocal” orientation, promoted interdisciplinary research, developed a sustainable governance strategy, and gradually formed a green campus model. At the same time, the University emphasized building an academic and sustainable practice community that connects stakeholders both inside and outside the University.

Entering the 2026–2030 phase, UEH shifts to an implementation stage aimed at becoming a comprehensive, sustainable university. The focus is no longer limited to content integration but to concrete actions: promoting learning tied to solving real-world problems, advancing community research, improving the sustainable governance system, moving toward a net-zero-emission campus, and building a co-creation community.

This roadmap clearly shows the shift from “awareness” to “impact,” and from “integration” to “implementation.”

Initial transitions: From ESG integration to SDG impact recognition

After the implementation process, UEH has recorded initial results in many aspects. In teaching, sustainability content has been integrated into more than 90 courses, while mandatory courses have also been designed to develop global citizenship competencies for students. ESG and SDG knowledge is embedded across multiple fields, from economics and finance to technology and the arts, clearly reflecting the multidisciplinary orientation.

In research, UEH has implemented nearly 500 projects and produced more than 2,400 international publications, most of which appear in reputable journals. These studies not only contribute academically but also aim to address practical issues related to sustainable urban development, green economics, and carbon neutrality, while covering all 17 SDGs.

In terms of operations, the “Living Lab” model has turned the university campus into an experimental space for sustainable solutions. Initiatives related to renewable energy, waste management, and emissions reduction have been implemented in a synchronized manner, serving both environmental goals and practical learning materials for students.

The governance system and community engagement have also been strengthened through a broad network of partners and programs that support startups, employment, and scholarships. These factors create a foundation for academic and research activities to be more closely connected to social needs.

However, the transformation process also poses many challenges. A shortage of materials and case studies suited to the Vietnamese context, limitations in ESG-SDG expert teams, and the complexity of synchronizing changes across the entire system are significant barriers. In addition, effectively connecting businesses with teaching activities still requires time to improve.

On the other hand, UEH also has important advantages, including a tradition of market-oriented education, a clear strategic direction, leadership commitment, and a strong partner network. These factors create favorable conditions for the University to implement sustainability initiatives consistently.

From implementation practice to policy lessons: Suggestions for the higher education ecosystem

From its implementation experience, UEH has drawn several core lessons that can be seen as a “formula” for effectively integrating ESG and the SDGs in higher education. First is the role of a clear strategy, in which the objectives and scope of each ESG and SDG framework must be clearly defined. Second, there is a need to translate goals into actions and measurable indicators, rather than stopping at orientation. Third is team development, viewing every lecturer and staff member as an agent for disseminating sustainability. Fourth is building a co-creation mechanism among the University, businesses, and the government to bring practice into the educational process. Finally, community impact must be used as the measure of effectiveness, ensuring that educational activities generate substantive outcomes.

On this foundation, UEH proposes the “UniverCity Innovation Hub” model as a development direction for the next generation of universities. This model positions the university not only as a place of education, but also as the core of an innovation ecosystem connecting multiple stakeholders – the University, businesses, government, and the community. Through this model, ESG knowledge is transformed into SDG solutions that can spread and contribute to sustainable development at the urban and regional levels.

Esg Hình 7

UEH’s journey from ESG integration to SDG impact creation demonstrates a systematic and pioneering approach. In a context where higher education is being called to redefine its role, this model opens a new direction: the university is not only a place to transmit knowledge, but also a center for creating solutions and leading sustainable development.

Author: Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung – Interim President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)

This article is part of UEH’s series on research dissemination and applied knowledge with the message: “Research Contribution For All.” UEH respectfully invites readers to look forward to the next issue of UEH Research Insights.

Chân Trang (1)

News, photos: Author, UEH Department of Communications and Partnerships

Chu kỳ giảm giá của đồng USD?

TS. Đinh Thị Thu Hồng và nhóm nghiên cứu

26 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Việt Nam cần kịch bản cho thương mại tương lai

ThS. Tô Công Nguyên Bảo

26 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Hệ thống tiền tệ tiếp theo như thế nào?

TS. Lê Đạt Chí và nhóm nghiên cứu

26 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Chuyển đổi số trong khu vực công tại Việt Nam

Khoa Quản lý nhà nước

26 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Cần đưa giao dịch công nghệ lên sàn chứng khoán

Bộ Khoa học và Công nghệ

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Thiết kế đô thị: tầm nhìn vững chắc cho đô thị bền vững

Viện Đô thị thông minh và Quản lý

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Phục hồi du lịch và nỗ lực thoát khỏi vòng xoáy ảnh hưởng bởi Covid-19

Viện Đô thị thông minh và Quản lý

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021

2021 sẽ là năm khởi đầu của chu kỳ tăng trưởng mới

PGS.TS Nguyễn Khắc Quốc Bảo

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Quỹ vaccine sẽ khả thi khi có người dân đóng góp

Phạm Khánh Nam, Việt Dũng

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Kích thích kinh tế, gia tăng vận tốc dòng tiền

Quách Doanh Nghiệp

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Đi tìm chiến lược hậu Covid-19 cho doanh nghiệp bảo hiểm Việt Nam

PGS TS Nguyễn Khắc Quốc Bảo, ThS Lê Văn

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021

Insurtech – Cơ hội và thách thức cho Startup Việt

Ths. Lê Thị Hồng Hoa

5 Tháng Sáu, 2021